Some people with (or without) disabilities benefit from technical aids, equipment, and modifications that make jobs or workplaces more suited to their abilities and requirements. These adjustments are called job accommodations.
Job accommodations are reasonable adjustments to a job or work environment that make it possible for an individual with a disability to perform the duties of the job.
Accommodations are typically a concern for employers when they are considering hiring a person with a disability. The assumption is that it will be costly to implement work accommodations. In reality, most are relatively inexpensive and funding can be secured through governmental agencies to assist with costs. Most accommodations are low-tech and do not require expensive purchases of computerized assistive devices.
The Canadian Human Rights Act requires employers and service providers to accommodate, short of undue hardship, individuals with special needs, including persons with disabilities. These accommodations allow individuals to perform the essential duties of a job of which they are capable. Undue hardship for an employer or service provider is measured against health, safety and cost.
The need for job accommodations must be assessed based on each employee's unique situation and must be made with respect for the dignity of the person with a disability.
Typical Accommodations for the General Population
- Adjustable chairs
- Glare screens for PC's
- Mouse and keyboard rests for palms
- Back rests
- Ergonomic chairs
- Head sets
- Maternity and paternity leave
- Job sharing
- Flexible schedules
Additional Accommodations
Vocational Coaches or Job Developers might also provide other accommodations during on-the-job training such as:
- Picture instructions
- Erasable whiteboard to track productivity and keep new employee organized
- Large print
- Quick-reference manual
- Timers
- Adjustments to display size on computer screens for persons with visual impairments
- Accommodations or adjustments for visual or hearing impairments, physical disabilities or cognitive impairments
- Voice assistive computer devices
This information was compiled from The Canadian Council on Rehabilitation and Work.
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